A video with advice about how to do U turns safely and easily for CBT and Module 1. Can be watched in conjunction with videos about rear observations and slow speed control.
I failed my Mod 1 not once but twice, as my nerves did play a major factor during the test. That being said, I didn't feel comfortable enough with my U-Turn skills, and I fell exactly in the case you talked about at minute 04:00. I passed my Mod 1 test today making sure to look where I'm going, try to keep revs up, keep up with speed and commit to the turn. The fear of dropping the bike didn't win this time. No faults. Thanks for sharing these tips!
I find u turns so easy on my CBT because I used a lot of throttle and used the clutch to control the speed of the bike by feathering the clutch when I was turning.
This was really good instruction. It's 40 years since I passed my test, and never really learnt to do slow speed work that well. I still often 'paddle' with my feet during tight u-turns, and really want to stop doing that. I'm going to get some little cones and head off to a suitable empty carpark for some much needed practice. Thanks for some excellent advice.
Great video, very well explained. When I first started riding (mopeds) the test consisted of riding around the block once while the examiner was stood on the pavement. For most of the test I was out of sight and he had no idea what I was doing. When I got back to where the examiner was stood I had to do an emergency stop. That was it. I’ve had about a dozen different bikes of various types and sizes and been riding bikes on and off for about 40 years. But I never learnt how to do a slow u-turn. I think when I was a teenager and I had smaller trail bikes I used to do it naturally without even thinking but with larger road bikes I’ve found it difficult so just used to avoid doing it. Now I’m watching every u-turn video there is and I going to conquer it.
I see you lean into the turn. I really struggled with this and found that counter-balancing worked best for me. I'm going to practice my slow speed manoeuvres later this week so I'll try and see if I can go back to a lean turn now I've got some more experience. Thanks for the video.
@Pete Slater thank you for your comments. I agree that counter balancing is a better technique for slow speed turns. I do use it a lot and prefer i. I tend to vary between leaning in and c/b depending on speed and tightness of turn. It tends to be instinctive with experience what you choose. I hope your practice is helpful. All the best
Beautifully explained, thank you. Motorcycle manouvres are incredibly difficult for me because 20+ years of martial arts ingrained a sense of balance that really makes leaning and trusting the bike difficult. But this explanation was incredibly well made. I will train using this and hopefully my next attempt at CBT will be my final
I have a question that I would like your answer to desperately. At the start and during your turn, did you still keep the throttle at revs and pull in the clutch? Or did you keep your throttle and clutch constant all the way since you started riding in a straight line? Cos for me, it's hard to keep my turn tight enough unless I briefly cut the power to the rear wheel while initiating and into the turn. Still an excellent set of instructions I must keep in mind thank you.
Hi Ken thanks for your question. I dont necessarily keep throttle and clutch constant, there can be variation. But, if you pull the clutch too far in or drop the revs during the turn the bike will be likely to drop. So keeping the back wheel driving is key to stability mid turn. The exception would be if speed was higher so momentum would take the bike through the turn regardless of rear wheel drive. Hope this helps?
@scrumpymanjack Hi, Thanks for the comment. Yes, you are correct that rear obs would be 180! However, often when we speak about moving away and rear observations we speak of 360 awareness, as we want a rider to be completely aware of what is all around them, front and rear, and not missing any hazards. Hope this helps, all the best
@Alex Yang thank you, yes you can use the rear brake to assist in the turn, the rear brake doesnt have to be used for slow turns, but it is helpful. Experiment with and without, see the difference it makes
@@MotorcyclePWR Thanks a lot for the reply. I have been practicing a lot myself these mod1 exercises before my test in Sep. Your videos are really helpful. Appreciate it.
@@theyangrider5905 thank you, glad they have been helpful. Once the understanding is there the practice and experimentation will pay rewards! I wish you well for your mod1. All the best
Hi, thanks for this video. One thing I would like to clarify is that at the start of the video, when looking to where you want to go, you are looking at 180 degrees. Later on you are just looking 90 degrees across the turn (06:45 ). Would you say 'the look' is a 2 part phase, firstly look 90 degrees across the road and then fully 180 degrees as you start to turn?
@Mike Keel Hi Mike, thank you for your comment. Its best to look directly where you want to go (just inside of the kerb) immediately before you turn. But for new students sometimes this big head movement is a bit unnerving, so if they turn the head into the turn and then continue to turn the head as the bike turns into the turn it could be a bit easier, so the "look to turn" could be a 2 part phase, but it should be smooth and continuous. I hope this isnt too ambiguous, all the best
@@MotorcyclePWR thanks for your reply. Yes it's unnerving for me at the moment. I've passed my CBT and hope to do my mod 1 soon. I know I should be looking elsewhere but I tend to look directly in front of me as I turn. I think I'm worried the bike may topple over if I take my eyes off it. Practice makes perfect though. I'll be heading off to a quiet car park to practice 'the look' 😊
@Mike Keel nice one Mike, yes practice does make perfect. It does take some getting used to and is a strange sensation, but once it clicks with you you will be amazed at how much easier it is. As long as you use your slow speed control technique with the clutch in the friction zone it wont topple. If you think of all the lifesavers you did on your cbt, turning your head didnt cause a topple. Good luck with your practice
Great video I have problems with turning I did it last year with my mrs on the back and I got to close to the Kerb touched the front brake and it was game over luckily we wasn’t hurt but very embarrassing I haven’t tried to do that again but I need to get out and practice it
thanks for your comment, yes its the practice that will pay off if you follow the basics. Trying with a pillion is a big ask if youre not confident, extra revs is the answer to help with stability with extra weight on the back. I wish you well...
hi, keep the revs up, lean the bike and get used to having to steer sometime with full lock, a lot of people dont like it! Practice somewhere wide and gradually tighten your turns
I presume you are referring to the Module1? There is no requirement regarding which gear you use, but it has to be appropriate to control the motorcycle safely and carry out the manoeuvres as required. The general advice is to use 1st for slalom, fig 8, U turn and slow ride as it is most appropriate. You certainly wouldn't be staying in first for the e stop, avoidance or controlled stop! Your instructor will be able to fully advise you prior to test and you may wish to experiment in training with first vs second for slow riding. All the best.
